A GROUP of cricketers have raised more than £3,000 after tackling an epic cycle ride tour of more than 50 grounds across the county.

Brothers Kevin Mays and Barry Mays, together with Howard Hardy-King, Charlie Powell and Drew Whiting, who are all members of Great Totham Cricket Club, travelled 300 miles across Essex by bike.

Half of the money raised will be donated to Colchester's St Helena Hospice, while the rest will be used to revamp facilities at the cricket club’s ground at Bull Meadow, in Maldon Road.

The quintet, who started and finished in Great Totham, visited the grounds of all 57 clubs in the T-Rippon Mid Essex Cricket League during the three day challenge, staying overnight in both Southend and Chelmsford.

Kevin Mays, 36, who has been involved with the Great Totham Cricket Club for about 20 years, said: “It was enjoyable and quite a laugh between the five of us, but was very tiring.

"It was more of a case of being in the saddle for eight hours every day. Muscles start to ache and there were a few knee injuries.

“Four of us did quite a lot of training but Charlie didn’t do any and turned up the day after a wedding.

“He managed to get around, but I think he has been suffering at work the last couple of days.”

Some £3,600 has been raised so far and money is still coming in.